Two factors may have made Thanet South an easier target than Thanet North for Labour in 1997. Firstly there is a lower proportion of pensioners here, but possible more importantly it was the seat of Jonathan Aitken, who was already facing the alleagtions which have since resulted in his being jailed for perjury.
Labour increased its share of the vote here by 18% in 1997, to take the seat, while the Lib Dem vote dropped from 18% to 11% - an indication of tactical voting.
In his maiden speech Stephen Ladyman described Thanet South as "the birthplace of the English" because the people and traditions that have ultimately become the ‘English’ are said to have originated in this corner of Kent.
This was where the Romans are believed to have landed and they built their castle at Richborough and before proceeding to move across Britain. St Augustine also arrived here, before moving to Canterbury to establish his base for the conversion of the British.
HOMEPAGE | NEWS | WORLD SERVICE | SPORT | MY BBC
